He played in Detroit's first 13 games before appearing in
just one of the next 29 during a span of more than two months. Jerebko finally
worked his way back into the rotation in late January, when the Pistons had a
16-26 record and were headed toward another season without tasting the playoffs.

"It was tough," Jerebko said. "I'm not going to lie. It was
up and down. Got to play at the end of the season and the start of the season ...
it was tough. It's behind me now. Looking forward to next season.

"I'm just excited."

Jerebko has already spoken with Cheeks a few times,
including Thursday before the press conference.
Jerebko was at The Palace practice facility working out with teammates Khris
Middleton and Kim English when Cheeks popped in.

And that was fine with Jerebko, who likes what he's heard
from Cheeks so far.

"He was talking like he's excited for a change," Jerebko
said. "(I was) excited to hear what he's had to say. When training camps
starts, he's excited to see what the team is going to look like.

"He's going to demand respect and that's what we need on
this team. I feel like he's a great fit for our young team. I'm looking forward
to training camp. I can't wait for it.

"I can't wait to see what he's got to say."

Does that mean Frank didn't demand respect and accountability
from the players?

"You're going to have to ask that coach," Jerebko said. "I
don't know."

Jerebko's response wasn't much of a surprise given his
history with Frank, under whose leadership his production declined steadily after
a promising rookie season in 2009-10.

Jerebko started 73 of 82 games as a rookie, when he averaged
9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 28 minutes per game.

After missing the entire 2010-11 season because of a torn Achilles
tendon, Jerebko began the 2011-12 season as a starter under Frank before
assuming a reserve role. He started 13 of 64 games, averaging 8.7 points and
3.3 rebounds in 23 minutes per game.

Last season, he started two of 49 games and averaged 7.7
points and 2.4 rebounds in 19 minutes.

"Like I said, I'm very excited for a fresh beginning,"
Jerebko said. "I'm just trying to stay in shape, work out and get ready for the
season."